The Arrival Fallacy: Post-Success & Achievement Blues
You’ve worked hard, set ambitious goals, and finally achieved them. But instead of feeling the lasting happiness you expected, there’s an unsettling emptiness. Sound familiar? This is the Arrival Fallacy, the mistaken belief that reaching a goal will bring lasting fulfillment. From top athletes and entrepreneurs to students and professionals, many experience this post-success blues. The initial thrill of achievement quickly fades, leaving behind a nagging question: What now? In this article, we’ll try to understand the psychology behind the Arrival Fallacy, and how to break free from the endless cycle of chasing.
What is The Arrival Fallacy ?
The arrival fallacy is the false illusion that once you reach a goal, you will experience enduring happiness. The term “arrival fallacy” was coined by Tal Ben-Shahar, who has a PhD from Harvard University in Organizational Behavior. Ben-Shahar says that often people who experience the arrival fallacy start off unhappy, and reach for a goal that is supposed to cure their sadness. When they find that success doesn’t fix their unhappiness, not only are they disappointed, but may end up feeling hopeless and depressed.
The Psychology Behind the Arrival Fallacy
The brain releases dopamine (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) when we anticipate success, but once we achieve it, dopamine levels drop. This is why the journey often feels more exciting than the destination. We quickly adapt to new circumstances, whether good or bad. Winning an award, getting a promotion, or buying a dream house may bring short-term joy, but soon, we return to our baseline happiness level.
Real-Life Examples of the Arrival Fallacy
- Olympic Athletes – Many athletes experience post-Olympic depression after years of training culminate in a brief moment of victory, leaving them wondering what’s next.
- Entrepreneurs & CEOs – Many successful business leaders feel empty after reaching financial milestones because their sense of purpose was tied to the chase, not the achievement.
- Everyday Life – Think of students who feel lost after graduation, employees who feel unfulfilled after promotions, or travelers who feel empty returning from a dream vacation.
Signs You’re Experiencing the Arrival Fallacy
- Feeling empty or dissatisfied after reaching a goal
- Constantly setting new goals to chase happiness
- Thinking “I’ll be happy when…” but never feeling truly content
- Losing motivation after achieving something significant
- Feeling anxious about what’s next instead of enjoying the present
How to Overcome the Arrival Fallacy
Shift Your Focus to the Process
Instead of seeing success as a destination, enjoy the journey. Find meaning in your regular efforts rather than just the outcome.
Practice Gratitude
Regularly acknowledge small wins and appreciate what you have. This helps prevent the urge to constantly seek more.
Set Intrinsic Goals
Pursue goals that bring joy and fulfillment in the present, not just in the future. For example, exercising or eating well to feel energetic and strong, rather than just for a perfect physique.
Redefine Success
Instead of external achievements, measure success by internal growth, relationships, and well-being.
Mindfulness
Stay present in the moment instead of always looking ahead. Meditation and reflection can help break the cycle of endless striving.
Final Takeaway | The Arrival Fallacy
The Arrival Fallacy is a trap many of us fall into, believing that happiness lies in the next big achievement. But true fulfillment comes not from reaching goals but from appreciating the journey. Instead of chasing the illusion of lasting happiness through success, shift your mindset to finding joy in the process.
Are you experiencing the Arrival Fallacy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Further insights : The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom https://amzn.in/d/iJ6i7xZ
Read also : Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) | Measure Your Satisfaction in 5 Questions https://thebrightdelights.com/satisfaction-with-life-scale-swls-measure-your-satisfaction-in-5-questions/